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Sexual Health Information and Support

What is an STI?
An STI, or sexually transmitted infection, is a bacterial or viral infection that can be spread through sexual contact.

This doesn’t just mean unprotected sex. Some STIs can be passed on through oral sex (kissing, licking or sucking someone’s genitals) and some can be passed through sexual touching and skin-to-skin contact.

There are lots of STIs out there and you will probably already have heard of some like Chlamydia; gonorrhoea; HPV – genital warts; genital herpes; syphilis; HIV etc. for more information on symptoms and treatment of all STIs visit this page from NHS

Chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK. You may not know if you (or one of your partners) have chlamydia, because it often has no symptoms – yet can lead to serious health problems and is the leading cause of infertility.

The good news? – For young people it’s free and easy to get a Chlamydia Test here at Alternatives Stamford. Drop in every Monday or Thursday 9-5 or call 07913 052159 to make an appointment on a different day.

It’s best to get a chlamydia test every 12 months (or every time you change partner).

Contraception
If you are already having sex or are planning to have sex, the best way to prevent an unplanned pregnancy or catching an STI is to use contraception.

There are lots of methods of contraception to choose from and different methods will suit different people. All contraception is free on the NHS in the UK. If you’re not sure which method you want to use, it’s a good idea to visit a local clinic and speak to a nurse or doctor. Here at Alternatives Stamford we can offer you more information about the options available to you.

What is it?
The Lincolnshire C-card scheme is a confidential service which provides sexual health information, free condoms, lube and oral dams to young people aged 13-19 years old.

Why use it?
It is confidential – unless the C-card Worker feels that you or someone else is at risk of harm or if a crime has been committed. If they need to tell someone else they will always tell you first.

No appointment necessary.

By joining the C-card scheme you can be sure that you are getting help and support from people who are experienced in talking about sex and condoms – they won’t be embarrassed so you don’t need to be either.

Available to all under 19s, whatever your sexuality.

Free condoms.

If you are under 13 you can’t register with the C-card scheme. But if you need help and advice about sexual health you can still visit your doctor or a Contraceptive and Sexual Health Clinic (CASH). Our nearest is the CASH clinic in Peterborough – http://www.peterboroughcash.nhs.uk/

How do I get a C-card?
Come to Alternatives Stamford any Monday or Thursday (9am – 5pm) to register for the C-card.

To join the C-card you need to register. This usually takes between 20 – 30 minutes and is your opportunity to ask questions about relationships and sexual health. You don’t need to be having a sexual relationship to use C-card; sometimes it helps to talk to someone before you start having sex.

You will be issued with a c-card and condoms. This card can then be used at pick-up points (any venue where you see the c-card sticker). Stamford Library, the health centre and the Sheep Market surgery are your nearest pick-up points to Alternatives Stamford.